Building a Safer Community for Women, Children, and Families

Building a Safer Community for Women, Children, and Families

Haven Society’s mission is to promote the integrity and safety of women, children, youth, and families and the development of a respectful and healthy community. As a leading anti-violence organization operating from feminist principles, Haven Society will achieve this mission by providing a range of services, public education and advocacy.

Throughout the past 44 years, Haven Society has supported thousands of women and children to create strategies to live free from violence and abuse. Programs and services continue to develop in response to community needs and changing political and social climates. We have been supported in this work, this “celebration of survival,” by the dedication of employees, board, volunteers, businesses, service clubs, the United Way, churches, community groups and individuals from the community of Nanaimo and beyond. We know that by continuing to work together, we can create a safer community for everyone.

Haven Society serves women, children, youth, and families with innovative and expanded programming, resourcefulness, and amazing community support. Haven Society also continues to provide a thoughtful perspective within a community dedicated to non-violence and the care of all members. It takes a community to heal a community, and together we are making a difference.

At Haven Society, we believe that no one deserves to be abused. Relationship and societal violence arise from an imbalance and misuse of power and control, and prevention begins with education and awareness. Women and children are diverse and have a right to have their differences respected and supported. The community has a right and a responsibility to become involved when those rights are in danger. Violence has no place in relationships or society, but equality, mutual respect, self-esteem, and interdependence foster healthy relationships and a healthy community.

The purpose of Haven Society is to provide and maintain shelter for women of all ages who have been physically, sexually and/or emotionally abused and for their children.

With a range of programs and services, including information, counselling, crisis support and advocacy services for those who are experiencing physical, sexual, and/or psychological violence in their lives, as well as innovative programs and services that reflect feminist principles, survivors can feel safer, stronger, and more supported.

In cooperation with other community social agencies, Haven Society also works to initiate violence prevention activities, promote public awareness of violence against women and children, and provide related services to individuals affected by violence in accordance with a commitment to diversity.

As we look forward, some of our current goals include sharing decades of knowledge and innovation through training workshops, building a new transition house and second-stage housing, and collaborating on community anti-violence initiatives for youth and families.

You can help us make these goals into reality by supporting our mission. Help promote the integrity and safety of women, children, youth, and families and the development of a respectful and healthy community. Learn more and donate at havensociety.com